Starting Small with a Shared Vision

Ike Grigoropolous, Ted Xenohristos, and Chef Dimitri Moshovitis initially envisioned a restaurant that would bring the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean mezze dining to the bustling streets of Washington DC. Inspired by the cherished recipes and traditions passed down from their families, they wanted to build something that would not only tantalize taste buds but also evoke a profound sense of nostalgia. 

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The Birth of Cava Mezze

So the three childhood friends got started. Chef Dimitri poured his heart into the creation of signature dishes like Crazy Feta and tender braised lamb, skillfully channeling the essence of his mother's simple yet unforgettable cooking into a taste of the Greek homeland. Ted and Ike helped with marketing, operations and procurement, sourcing high-quality ingredients, often locally, to maintain the freshness and integrity of Cava's dishes. They opened their first establishment, a full-service Mediterranean restaurant called Cava Mezze, in Rockville, Maryland. Cava Mezze emphasized a communal dining experience and featured a menu that showcased the bold and diverse flavors of the Mediterranean region.

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In the early days, the guys described Cava as "A Culture, Not a Concept." As first generation Greek-Americans, they had grown up with Mediterranean cuisine, but it wasn’t always appreciated. The friends recall how people would give them odd looks and ask questions during school lunches when they brought out their spanakopita. But these kinds of experiences fueled their determination to build Cava into a cultural experience. Cava was not just a Mediterranean food concept. It was about sharing high-quality, simple food. They had built everything themselves, from top to bottom. Building Cava consumed their lives - working 90 hour work-weeks, and risking their life’s savings into it. 

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The Journey of Transformation

The bet was paying off. Cava Mezze was gaining popularity. However, Cava Mezze was a full-service Mediterranean restaurant at a time when consumer preferences were changing towards faster and more casual dining experiences. The founders recognized that customers were seeking convenient, customizable, and affordable options without compromising on quality and flavor.

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In 2009, a pivotal moment arrived when Brett Schulman, a seasoned business leader, joined their team as the CEO. With Schulman's expertise and strategic vision, the group underwent a transformation. They rebranded their restaurant as Cava Grill and later simply as Cava, reflecting their commitment to a fresh and modern approach to Mediterranean cuisine.

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In January 2011, they achieved a significant milestone by opening their first fast casual restaurant, Cava Grill, in Bethesda, Maryland. Cava Grill showcased a build-your-own bowl concept, allowing customers to customize their meals according to their preferences. This format offered a quicker and more efficient dining experience compared to the traditional full-service model of Cava Mezze. Cava Grill's menu was designed to be approachable, yet still rooted in the authenticity and bold flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. 

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The build-your-own bowl concept became a signature feature of Cava Grill. Customers could choose a base, such as grains or greens, proteins, spreads, toppings, and sauces, allowing them to create personalized and flavorful combinations. This customization element appealed to a wide range of preferences and dietary needs.

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Diversifying Beyond Restaurants

Cava Grill quickly gained popularity and garnered a loyal customer base. The positive response to the fast-casual format and customizable offerings encouraged the founders to expand further. They opened additional Cava Grill locations, both within the Washington, D.C. area and beyond, capitalizing on the growing demand for fresh and customizable Mediterranean-inspired meals.

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As its popularity grew, so did the array of products. Cava expanded its reach beyond restaurants by launching a line of retail products. These included dips, spreads, sauces, and dressings that customers could purchase and enjoy at home. The retail line allowed Cava to extend its brand presence and bring the flavors of the Mediterranean to a wider audience. With this evolution, Cava Grill changed its name to simply "Cava" in 2016. The decision to rebrand as Cava reflected the company's evolution and expansion beyond the fast-casual build-your-own bowl concept. 

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A Game-Changing Acquisition and Financial Success

Their success didn't stop there. In November 2018, Cava Group made a transformative move by acquiring Zoës Kitchen, a renowned restaurant chain with over 250 locations. The acquisition, worth a staggering $300 million, expanded Cava's reach and fortified its presence across the nation, especially in the suburbs. It was a game-changer for the group, solidifying their position as a force to be reckoned with in the culinary world.

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Customers loved Cava, and so did growth investors. In April 2021, the company raised a staggering $190 million in a series F funding round led by T. Rowe Price. This impressive funding round elevated their valuation to nearly $1.3 billion, firmly establishing Cava as one of the most valuable food-service companies globally. Their dedication to culinary excellence and business acumen garnered recognition from various media outlets.

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Commitment to Social Responsibility

Cava is a success story, but the company culture was not just about profits and success. The company leadership understood the importance of social responsibility. They empowered their employees by providing paid time off to vote and supported poll workers during the 2020 presidential election by offering them free meals. During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, Cava launched the "Feeding Families" program. For every family meal sold, they donated meals to the families of first responders, spreading hope and support in their communities.

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Today, Cava continues to impress diners with its Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Even with 133 company-owned locations, they have stayed true to their commitment to quality and exceptional dining experiences. 

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Cava's Extraordinary IPO

And then, on June 15, 2023, Cava Group made a monumental splash in the world of public trading. They made their debut on the New York Stock Exchange, with their stock trading under the symbol CAVA. The market responded enthusiastically, and their stock soared.  At a time when the markets felt icy for new IPOs, Cava’s breakout success paved the way towards friendlier markets for new IPO listings. With an extraordinary market value of $4.88 billion, Cava emerged as the leading IPO for companies valued above $500 million.

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What is the contributor to the success of these three friends? Many things, but founders single out one main ingredient to their success.

"Friendship"

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“One of the main reasons we’ve been successful is that we remember at the end of the day that we’re friends,” Dimitri says. “We still make fun of each other the same way we made fun of each other when we were younger. We find time to hang out. We go to each other’s houses on the weekends to watch football. I don’t think there’s a day that goes by that we don’t talk to each other. It’s a stressful business, and we try to keep it as fun as possible.”

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The Cava story is one of friendship, passion, and relentless adaptation to changing customer preferences. From humble beginnings, when the three friends got laughed over their Greek lunches, to building a culinary empire, now in the public eye.

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